From Heartwarming to Hysterical: Unveiling the Best of Canadian and American Sitcoms

Summary

In contrast to American multi-cam sitcoms, Canadian comedies such as Schitt's Creek distinguish themselves by their emphasis on character development, captivating storytelling, and genuine heartfelt moments, rather than merely relying on a high quantity of jokes per page.

Canadian shows usually feature characters who are likable and relatable, possessing a moral compass that viewers can support. In contrast, American half-hour shows often depict characters whose moral compass may be questionable.

When comparing Schitt's Creek to Arrested Development, the difference in character growth and personal development becomes apparent. The growth of the Rose family in Schitt's Creek stands in stark contrast to the selfishness and greed exhibited by the Bluth family in Arrested Development.

After achieving initial success on Canada's CBC network, Schitt's Creek gained widespread popularity when it landed on Netflix and attracted a large audience in the US. The show received numerous accolades, including sweeping the 2020 Emmy Awards, and was praised for the significant character development of its protagonists and its humor that revolves around their personalities. Additionally, Schitt's Creek offered a refreshing and unique tone and atmosphere compared to the popular shows in the US at that time.

Whether it's Schitt's Creek or the next Canadian show to make its way to the US, such imported shows have a distinct Canadian essence. Andrew Barnsley, the executive producer of both series, Son of a Critch and Schitt's Creek, discussed the qualities that make Canadian comedies stand out and become successful, in an interview with Screen Rant. Here's what he had to say:

Canada never had a multi-cam system for producing shows like the United States did. Instead, our comedies have always been filmed in a single-camera format. This has led to a fundamental difference in the approach to comedy. While American multi-cam sitcoms focus on maximizing the number of jokes per page, Canadian comedies prioritize comedy derived from character, story, and heart. This distinction has been recognized by Canadians and has proven to be successful.

In addition, I recently had a conversation with someone about the comedies I've worked on, and one noticeable difference is that most of the characters in Canadian shows are likable and endearing. You genuinely root for them and want them to succeed. This isn't always the case in American half-hour comedies, where you may find yourself supporting a character with questionable morals or not feeling bad if they fail. Canadian shows have a warmth and kindness to their characters that make you truly invested in their victories.

Is Schitt’s Creek the Canadian Arrested Development?

One strong example supporting Barnsley's point can be seen in the comparison between Schitt's Creek and Arrested Development. These two shows have often been discussed together as they both revolve around the decline of a wealthy family. However, there are significant differences in the characterizations of the two families. The Bluth family in Arrested Development is known for their selfishness and greed, which is evident in this article highlighting the worst actions of each main character. On the other hand, Schitt's Creek's Rose family is characterized by the growth and personal development each member undergoes to overcome their negative qualities.

This comparison becomes particularly evident when looking at the characters of Lucille Bluth and Moira Rose. While Moira Rose delights in her own unique world but still maintains affection for her children, as demonstrated by quotes like "You are blind to reality, and for that, I am most proud," Lucille Bluth embodies a caustic aloofness. One of her most memorable lines is "I don't care for Gob," referring to her son. The concept and characterizations of Schitt's Creek do seem to draw inspiration from Arrested Development, but the direction it takes with the concept aligns with the trend discussed by Barnsley.

Fortunately for American viewers, the rise of Canadian programming on streaming services allows the enjoyment of shows like Schitt's Creek to be just as accessible as the brilliance of Arrested Development.